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Ep 88 (http://ibit.ly/Re5V) Liz McNeill and the 4th anniversary wrap up

@PhDMidwives #research #midwifery 

The 2024 podcast year showcased a diverse array of inspiring midwifery professionals from around the globe. From the UK, US, Nigeria, Australia and beyond, guests shared their unique journeys, research findings, and insights into improving maternal and neonatal care. Key themes explored throughout the year included addressing the critical issue of midwifery burnout, promoting cultural safety and inclusivity in care, and navigating the evolving landscape of technology and its impact on women's health. The podcast provided a platform for these voices to be heard, offering listeners valuable insights and a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs within the field of midwifery. The podcast's global reach continued to expand, reaching listeners in 88 countries. 
  
To further support this community, a LinkedIn page titled "PhD Midwives" was launched, offering a platform for doctoral students and graduates to connect and share their experiences and will remain an active hub for community support and engagement.

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Ep 87 (http://ibit.ly/Re5V) Rakime Elmir on Navigating Emergency Postpartum Hysterectomy, Cultural Advocacy, and Academic Challenges

@PhDMidwives #research #midwifery #PIPE-MC @westernsydneyu #birthtrauma #partners

Research link - ibit.ly/n9BUe

Rakime Elmir's journey into the world of nursing and midwifery is nothing short of inspiring. As the first in her family to attend university, Rakime navigated the challenges of a less diverse academic environment with determination, fueled by her passion for women's health and influenced by her mother's childbirth stories. In our latest episode, Rakime shares the milestones of her career, from pioneering research in women's' experiences of having an emergency post partum hysterectomy to designing Australia's first university-branded hijab, supporting Muslim students in midwifery and nursing. Her dedication to improving care for women and promoting cultural inclusivity in healthcare is a testament to her resilience and innovation.

Balancing a PhD with the demands of new marriage and impending motherhood might seem daunting, but Rakime shares her strategies for thriving amid these pressures. She opens up about the meticulous organization and emotional support systems that helped her stay focused, even when academic feedback felt overwhelming. Through her insights, listeners will learn about the importance of discipline, the value of community support, and how to navigate the emotional landscape of academia with grace and determination.

Finally, Rakime delves into the transformative impact of her research on women’s health, highlighting the ethical complexities and the profound privilege of representing women's voices in her studies. From innovative recruitment methods for diverse research participation to advocating for culturally safe care models in midwifery, her story underscores the need for adaptability and persistence in both academic and professional pursuits. Join us as we explore Rakime’s journey of resilience, cultural advocacy, and the continuous pursuit of academic excellence in the face of life's challenges.

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Ep 86 (ibit.ly/Re5V) Bev Jervis on the Need for Persistence in Midwifery Reform to Navigate Childbirth Services

@PhDMidwives  #research #midwifery @SalfordUni @radmidassoc #mentorship #leadership #maternalmovementduringlabour #homebirth

What if your own childbirth experience could inspire a career dedicated to empowering women?  Bev Jervis joins us to share her transformative journey into midwifery, sparked by personal experiences that highlighted the need for informed choice and support during childbirth. From a disempowering second pregnancy to a fulfilling career, Bev's story is a powerful testament to the impact of compassionate care and informed consent in maternity services.

Throughout our conversation, Bev provides an inside look at the contrasting cultures within maternity care settings, having trained in both large hospitals and smaller local ones. She opens up about overcoming personal challenges, like a relationship breakdown during her training, and how these experiences shaped her professional path. Bev also recounts her pivotal role in establishing a successful home birth team, underscoring her commitment to collaborative, woman-centered care and her passion for continuity.

As the conversation unfolds, we tackle the pressing challenges facing maternity services today, from systemic strains to the emotional toll on healthcare professionals. Bev offers her insights on how socio-political influences and COVID-19 have exacerbated these issues, while also discussing her academic journey and the serendipitous opportunities that arose. With a focus on future research and advocacy, Bev shares her hopes for systemic reform and the potential for midwifery practices to shape maternity care positively. 

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Ep 85 (http://ibit.ly/Re5V) Jenny Patterson on Birth Trauma, Midwifery Burnout, Resilience and Healing

@PhDMidwives #research #midwifery @NHS_Education @ScotlandRCM @EdinburghNapier @CapacitarInter1 #PTSD #potatoes @Dianethemidwife

Research link - ibit.ly/KgViA

Ever wondered how a passion for midwifery can transform lives, not just for mothers but for the midwives themselves?  Jenny Patterson, a trailblazer in the field, joins us to recount her unlikely journey from setting aside her childhood dream to embracing midwifery as a life mission. Discover how her personal experiences of giving birth at home rekindled her passion, leading her down a path of advocacy, independent practice, and eventually, groundbreaking research. Jenny's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact one person can make in the face of systemic challenges.

Join us as Jenny sheds light on her transition from independent midwifery to research, a narrative shaped by regulatory hurdles and the absence of insurance options. Her journey illustrates the delicate balance between clinical work and academia, revealing insights into PTSD and trauma related to childbirth. Jenny shares how her involvement in the Birth Project Group and collaborations with top researchers propelled her into a PhD that challenges the conventional understanding of birth trauma. This episode offers a profound look at the intersections of personal, professional, and academic pursuits, offering lessons in adaptability and courage.

As we wrap up, Jenny talks candidly about the realities of midwife burnout, the emotional toll on caregivers, and the urgent need for systemic reforms. She highlights the importance of support networks, both familial and professional, in overcoming self-doubt and achieving one’s aspirations. With a promising future ahead, including a lecturing role and an exciting book project on love in midwifery, Jenny’s narrative is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of passion and persistence. Tune in to learn from Jenny’s rich tapestry of experiences that continue to shape the field of midwifery today.

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Ep 84 (ibit.ly/Re5V)  Sandra Mutilva on Innovation and Leadership in Midwifery and AI 

@PhDMidwives   #research #midwifery #AI #innovation #healthcare #governance @world_midwives @researchTMU @AdlerUniversity #artificialintelligence #poorwomenshealthdata

 https://linktr.ee/drsandramutilva

What happens when the passion for midwifery meets the power of technology? Join us as Sandra Mutilva, a remarkable midwife who journeyed from Argentina to Canada, shares her inspiring story. Growing up in a large family in Argentina, Sandra was captivated by the wonders of childbirth, leading her to pursue midwifery despite her parents' hesitations. Her path took a transformative turn when she immigrated to Canada, navigating a new healthcare landscape and establishing a successful practice through perseverance and a bridging program.

Sandra's story is not just one of personal triumph but also of innovation in healthcare. As the chapter unfolds, she discusses venturing into leadership roles and pursuing an executive MBA, ultimately leading to PhD research at the intersection of technology and women's health. Sandra uncovers significant biases in clinical trials, shedding light on the gaps in women's health data and the critical need for equitable research funding. Her insights urge midwives to become advocates for fair technology development and access, positioning themselves as leaders of change in the digital age.

Amidst the challenges of a global pandemic, Sandra's academic journey became a testament to resilience and adaptability. She opens up about balancing rigorous PhD work with family responsibilities and financial constraints, finding strength in a supportive network and the guidance of her dissertation chair. As we explore Sandra's unique perspective on the evolving role of midwives in AI and data protection, her story becomes a call to action for midwives to embrace innovation while upholding their tradition as guardians of childbirth.

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Ep 83 (http://ibit.ly/Re5V) Mimi Niles on Transforming Midwifery and Advocating for Women's Health in New York City

@PhDMidwives #research #midwifery @nyuniversity #publichealth @nyumeyers @BirthPlaceLab @NACPM 

Research link - http://ibit.ly/dJvtO
https://www.deviwomen.com/bio

How does one woman's journey from rural Gujarat to the bustling streets of New York City shape her into a beacon of hope for women's health? Join us as Mimi Niles, an inspiring midwife and assistant professor at NYU, shares her extraordinary story. From witnessing her mother's midwifery practice in the challenging conditions of rural India to her own transformative experiences in the U.S. healthcare system, Mimi opens up about the cultural dynamics, social inequities, and personal encounters that kindled her passion for midwifery and justice. Her reflections offer a unique lens on how deeply personal experiences can drive a lifelong commitment to serving marginalized communities.

Ever wondered about the diverse paths to becoming a midwife in the United States? Mimi recounts her own journey, starting as a community health nurse in New York City, to earning her Certified Nurse Midwife credentials while balancing work, study, and family life. Hear about her pivotal time at a busy public hospital in Brooklyn, where she honed her clinical skills and deepened her understanding of underserved populations. This episode also explores the various certification routes for midwifery in the U.S., emphasizing the critical role that varied experiences play in shaping a well-rounded midwifery practice.

Discover the transformative power of higher education and advocacy in midwifery. Mimi narrates her academic pursuits, from tackling the burnout of public health work to embracing a systems-thinking approach through her Master's in Public Health and PhD studies. We dive into her research on the evolution of midwifery, the importance of addressing systemic inequalities, and the impact of implementation science on advancing midwifery practice. Mimis' journey is a testament to the resilience and dedication required to push the boundaries of women's health and social justice. Tune in to be inspired by her unwavering commitment and innovative vision for the future of midwifery.

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Ep 82 (http://ibit.ly/Re5V) Tom McEwan on #NICU @policy exploration in #Scotland through a #ProfessionalDoctorate

@PhDMidwives #research #midwifery @MidwivesRCM @NHS_Education @ScotlandRCM #postnataldoulas #holistichealthcare

Research link - http://ibit.ly/eec1Z

What happens when an aspiring chemical engineer decides to shift gears and pursue a career in midwifery? Tune in as we sit down with Tom McEwan, a passionate midwife in Scotland, who shares his unexpected journey and the societal challenges he faced breaking into a traditionally female-dominated field. Tom provides a fascinating look at the evolution of midwifery education, stressing the importance of community-based care and reflecting on how modern placements have fragmented the continuity he once cherished. He also gives us a glimpse into the close-knit midwifery community in Scotland, and the supportive atmosphere at midwifery conferences that feel more like family reunions.

This episode also tackles the unique experiences male midwives face and the broader implications of gender diversity in midwifery. Tom discusses the often-overlooked needs of fathers and partners in perinatal support, suggesting the need for more male or non-gendered postnatal doulas, especially in the NICU. We delve into the emotional toll on partners, including the phenomenon of delayed postnatal depression, and emphasize the necessity of inclusive care that addresses the needs of all parents. Tom’s insights highlight the importance of holistic healthcare that supports families in every aspect.

Lastly, we explore Tom's academic journey and his efforts to revolutionize maternity and neonatal care in Scotland. He shares the advantages of pursuing a professional doctorate over a PhD, the value of free writing, and the significance of nurturing relationships with supervisors. Our conversation also touches on Scotland's ambitious "Best Start" program and its impact on neonatal care. We wrap up with a look at diverse and dynamic topics within nursing, from translating interviews into poetry to the performative aspects of various projects. Tom’s passion for midwifery, education, and research promises an engaging and enlightening discussion that you won't want to miss.

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Ep 81 (ibit.ly/Re5V) Cecilia Jevitt on UK, Canadian and American Midwifery changes and the resurgence of midwives

@PhDMidwives  #MidTwitter  #research #midwifery @UBC @world_midwives @MidwivesRCM @VIDofM @Yale @USouthFlorida #canadianmidwifery

Research link - ibit.ly/KzSJD

How does a physical education major become a pioneering midwife? In today's episode, we journey through the extraordinary life of Cecilia Jevitt, a seasoned midwife with over 35 years of experience. Cecilia's path started with a fortuitous encounter with an article about the Frontier Nursing Service which completely altered her career trajectory. She shares her story of determination, from earning an associate's and bachelor's degree in nursing to securing a spot in one of the limited midwifery programs of the 1970s at Emory University. Her plans to practice in the U.S. Virgin Islands and the unwavering support she received along the way underscore her incredible dedication to the field.

Next, we explore Cecilia's transition from clinical practice to academia, highlighting her pursuit of a doctorate in applied medical anthropology. With ethnographic research in the UK and experiences working in a large hospital practice, Cecilia offers a unique perspective on midwifery education and regulation. We also discuss the challenges she faced balancing motherhood and education, the significance of doctorally prepared nurses, particularly in underserved regions, and how her academic journey has fueled her passion for expanding midwifery on a global scale.

Lastly, Cecilia walks us through the evolution of midwifery education and practice. From the shift away from routine episiotomies to modern monitoring techniques, we discuss the critical role midwives play in community health and the importance of higher education. The episode also touches on the urgent need for more midwifery programs, especially in underserved areas, and the complexities of maternal care access in the United States. Join us for an engaging conversation that captures the essence of midwifery's past, present, and future, highlighting the transformative power of this essential healthcare profession.

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Ep 80 (ibit.ly/Re5V) Melanie Jackson on birthing outside the system, balancing research, midwifery, and entrepreneurship

@PhDMidwives  #MidTwitter  #research #midwifery @westernsydneyu @hannahdahlen @VirginiaSchmie1

https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/

Great Birth Rebellion podcast

Ever wondered how the worlds of naturopathy and midwifery intersect? Join us for an enlightening episode where we promise you'll uncover the inspirational journey of Melanie Jackson. From her roots as a naturopath to becoming a dedicated midwife and researcher, Melanie shares her unique perspective on pregnancy and birth, influenced by pivotal experiences and the wisdom of Ina May Gaskin’s “Spiritual Midwifery.” Discover how her holistic approach complements her midwifery practice and the challenges she faced reconciling these philosophies within hospital settings.

Melanie's story is a testament to resilience and passion. Learn about her academic evolution, from a nursing degree at Sydney University to her unexpected dive into postgraduate research under the mentorship of Hannah Dahlen. Melanie's commitment to physiological birth led her to become a private midwife and eventually pursue a PhD. Hear about the intricate balance she maintained while managing her PhD and midwifery work, the importance of mental health, and the support systems that kept her grounded through it all.

This episode also sheds light on the systemic issues within maternity care, driving women towards alternative birthing options. Melanie offers insightful reflections on conducting unbiased research in emotionally charged contexts and discusses her transition from private midwifery to mentoring aspiring midwives. Finally, get a glimpse into how she balances her dynamic life, including entrepreneurship, family, and community involvement, illustrating how support and a flexible work model have enabled her to thrive.

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Ep 79 (ibit.ly/Re5V) Soo Downe on Midwifery Innovations and Global Insights  

@PhDMidwives  #MidTwitter  #research #midwifery   @world_midwives @MidwivesRCM @UCLan
Research link - ibit.ly/hUz5m

Discover the transformative journey of Soo Down, Professor of Midwifery Studies at the University of Central Lancashire, as she shares her path from literature and linguistics to a groundbreaking career in midwifery. Sue's passion was ignited at a maternity mission station in apartheid-era South Africa, leading to a direct entry midwifery program in Derby. Our conversation delves into the historical context of midwifery training in the UK, the emergence of midwife-led care, showcasing her unwavering commitment to advancing midwifery practice.

Reflecting on the evolution of maternity care, we explore the Fernandez Institute's collaborative initiatives in India, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Evita Fernandez. We discuss balancing caesarean section rates and promoting physiological births while examining the rise of medicalisation, caesarean rates, and birth trauma awareness. This episode sheds light on the increasing fear in modern maternity care and contrasts it with the trust and confidence that once prevailed, emphasising the need for compassionate care and stress management during childbirth.

We also navigate the intricate journey from master's to PhD in midwifery, offering practical advice for aspiring researchers. Soo shares her insights on the importance of selecting research topics fuelled by genuine curiosity, the dynamics of PhD viva traditions worldwide, and the critical gaps in midwifery research, particularly in the areas of the epigenome and microbiome. 

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The aim is for this to be a fortnightly podcast with extra episodes thrown in

This podcast can be found on various socials as @thruthepinardd and our website -https://thruthepinardpodcast.buzzsprout.com/ or ibit.ly/Re5V